Last week there was another one of those horror stories in the news, that make your eyes fill with tears. This time was a young man who witnessed the death of his mother. All I could say when asked mom was crying, Mommy's in rug, his verbal skills and understanding of the world is still very limited. I do not know all the details of the case, what if anything he actually did see, but it is pretty clear that this young man has certainly had a traumatic experience.
Our culture, like many others, values the children a great deal. As adults, we know very well the danger there, watch the news at 6 and read the headlines. We go through of our time trying to satisfy the demands of the world, especially stress, perhaps anxious, probably tired. The children still have to enter this world adult, they want to play, snacks and see Dora the Explorer. We adults usually do all we can to protect them because we know that the innocence of childhood not last forever. Therefore, it is no surprise that talks much of the water cooler in recent days have been of this child. I hear things as "you need therapy," "if not addressed this is going to turn against him years later" or "How will you ever on this? "
As a child therapist who has worked with many children who have experienced trauma, I could say with confidence that, through play therapy, this is also handy. As adults talk things out after going through something terrible and traumatic, children play through their feelings and reactions. This children's natural inclination to play with things that are happening around them is their way of trying to make sense of their world. For them there are more to play and therefore feels safe and comfortable. In fact, excessive talk about the traumatic events may cause more anxiety, putting children on the ground and make the event even bigger and scarier. It is through play that children have a real opportunity to make sense of what is happening, and most importantly, resolve unconscious conflicts. Playing gives them a sense of detachment from which to explore and deal with their feelings.
In children play therapy uses one of its best gifts, their imagination. A play therapists office is filled with a variety of toys that children can choose at will. The choice of toys very beginning the experience of play therapy. Children may act through different scenarios to try several different solutions or outcomes, practical ways to solve the conflicts and deal with disturbing material. They put fear, hidden feelings and fears about objects outside themselves and see and learn how these toys "handle". What is in the child's mind usually comes naturally in their play. Typically at the start of play therapy toys that children are afraid, insecure, for usually defeated by some kind of monster. But as the sessions progress, the same toys end up winning battles, overcome adversity and have a confidence that was not above.
Some of the training of play therapists work involves tracking, searching for items, and toys to express to obtain a response from another toy. These techniques allow us to learn more about the meaning behind the work. If a child to play a giant dinosaur is walking through a city and a Lego doll hides behind a tree, a play therapist may ask, "What is the sensation of the wrist? The boy, unwittingly, he is giving clues about what he or she is experiencing. In addition, the therapist may ask, "What can the doll to be less afraid?" stimulate children to think of other ways to respond to their fears. The therapist can also play with the child while allowing them to drive the process. For example, if the therapist is the dinosaur that can whisper to the child, "what is this dinosaur telling everybody?" allowing the child to guide both the wrist of fear and the scary monster. In the course of the experience of play therapy, children can build and rebuild this city of Lego. The difference is that every time the characters act a little different. The doll slowly to leave behind the tree, talk to the dinosaur and ask him to go away, or realize it's not so scary after everything. The dinosaur may choose another route or make friends with the wrist. This resolution and learning is integrated into the knowledge base of the child.
The most Girl with a news story above, obviously, always remember this horrible tragedy and missed his mother terribly, but by participating in play therapy can process what has happened and learn the skills necessary to cope with a life well-adjusted.
If you think your child may be suffering from an experience traumatic or cause any concern you might consider a play therapist. Children may come into play therapy for a variety of reasons, including depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, school and peer concerns, social anxiety, and the challenge among many others. If you are unsure if your child may have a mental health problem or need help to determine if therapy can be useful to ask me a question on my website. I am a marriage license and family therapist in Philadelphia, PA in private practice and has been working with children, families and individuals over 10 years.
Stephen Madigan Narrative Child Therapy Video
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